sECTION 8:

When participating in FAR, DCYF is required to offer services and resources aimed at reducing risks and ensuring your family’s safety and well-being. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Infant Safety Education

If you have children under the age of one, DCYF is required to provide infant safety education and intervention as outlined in DCYF Policy 1135. This education helps you identify and resolve risks that could pose immediate threats to an infant’s safety.

2. Services Identified Through the Safety Plan or FAR Assessment

If your FAR Assessment or Safety Plan identifies risks, DCYF will offer services designed to mitigate those risks and help you meet your goals. These may include:

• Family therapy to address family dynamics.
• In-home services or therapy to work on safety concerns directly in your home environment.
• UA testing to monitor and support sobriety.
• Mental health counseling to address emotional or psychological challenges.
• Substance abuse treatment or chemical dependency services for addiction recovery.
• Domestic violence assessments and counseling for families experiencing violence, or fatherhood classes to promote positive parenting.

Why this is important:
Failing to complete these services could result in escalated interventions, including the risk of your child being removed from your home. However, showing progress in these areas—validated by counselors or service providers—can often help avoid further action, even if the social worker feels the progress isn’t sufficient.

Costs and Choice of Providers:

• If your insurance covers the services, you are encouraged to choose providers you trust rather than defaulting to those recommended by DCYF.
• If DCYF covers the cost, you will need to select from their list of contracted providers. Ask about your options and advocate for what works best for your family.

3. Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT)

Children under three years old who show possible developmental delays or were born with drugs in their system must be referred to ESIT services within two business days. These services are:

• Free of charge to families.
• Voluntary, meaning you can decline participation.

Why this matters:
Social workers sometimes overlook this referral, so being informed allows you to advocate for your child. You can also contact the Family Health Hotline (1-800-322-2588) or visit the ESIT website to follow up on these services.

4. Preschool or Licensed Child Care

DCYF may refer non-school-aged children to licensed child care or preschool programs participating in the Early Achievers Program (Levels 3-5). Exceptions include:

• No programs rated Level 3 or higher are available locally.
• The programs that meet the requirement are full.
• The family prefers to keep the child in an existing program.

5. Wraparound Intensive Services (WISe)

If your child has complex behavioral health needs, DCYF may recommend a screening for Wraparound Intensive Services (WISe). This program provides comprehensive support for children requiring specialized behavioral health interventions.

6. Native American Inquiry

DCYF must inquire about your child’s membership or eligibility for membership in a federally recognized tribe. This process involves:

• Contacting the tribe to determine their level of involvement.
• Identifying tribal services and resources available to your family.
• Reviewing and following memorandums of understanding with Washington state tribes.

Why this matters:
Tribal involvement can bring additional resources and protections for your family. Ensure this inquiry is completed if your family identifies as Native American.

7. Protective Action Plan (PAP) or Voluntary Placement Agreement (VPA)

These are temporary measures DCYF may recommend when immediate safety threats in your home require your child to be removed.

• Protective Action Plan (PAP):

  • A short-term arrangement where your child is placed with a relative or friend while you resolve immediate safety issues (e.g., fixing exposed electrical wiring).
  • This plan is less invasive.

• Voluntary Placement Agreement (VPA):

  • A more formal arrangement where you agree to place your child under DCYF supervision for 30 days or more while addressing safety concerns (e.g., entering substance abuse treatment).
  • With a VPA, DCYF determines when it is safe for your child to return home.

Why this matters:
While PAPs are short-term and allow you more control, VPAs place significant authority in DCYF’s hands. It’s important to carefully weigh your options, as you are now at a critical juncture where CPS is requesting that your children be placed with someone other than yourself. Protective Action Plans (PAPs) are typically short-term arrangements that allow you to retain a degree of control, including the ability to reclaim your child. In contrast, Voluntary Placement Agreements (VPAs) grant DCYF placement authority over your child. Under a VPA, DCYF evaluates whether you are ready to have your child return home. If the VPA period expires and DCYF determines that you are not ready, they can file a petition in court to remove your child formally and continue the out-of-home placement. (See Section 6 for PAPs and Section 14 for VPAs.)

8. Case Closure Letter and Findings

Once your case is closed, DCYF will issue a closure letter within five days confirming there are no longer any safety threats in your home.

• The letter will include findings related to your intake:
  • Founded finding: Indicates evidence of abuse or neglect and may have serious consequences, such as affecting job eligibility or school involvement. Appeal instructions will be included.
  • Unfounded finding: Indicates no evidence of abuse or neglect. No further action is needed.

Why this is important:
Keep this letter for your records. Founded findings can have long-term impacts, so watch for the letter and follow up on any appeals if necessary. (See Section 2 for more on founded vs. unfounded findings.)